work leave question

[Anna2]

Hi everyone ,

I'm new here! There's a good chance I'll be starting IUI soon. I have a question regarding time off work. It seems that several people have suggested returning home immediately after the procedure and lying down for the rest of the day (bum slightly elevated) to increase the chance of conception.

My question is - if you did this (for one or more cycles), how did you claim time off work? Did you simply file a sick leave form for the entire day ahead of time? If so, did your boss think it was weird that you were booking a whole day off for a medical appointment at least once a month? I really don't want to discuss with my boss why I need the time off.

Thanks!
Anna.

[Sweedie]

Know what? After my successful IUI, I went back to work and it was business as usual. I don't think you need to take off work.

[qrychefan]

Fortunately, my boss has gone through this stuff herself, so I didn't have to worry about taking the time off since she understood. I'd recommend that if you take time off, just book it as a personal day (say you need to shop or take a mental health day)....you shouldn't have to say why you are taking a personal day, since it really is none of their business. Good luck!

[Kristip]

This is a good question. I am a Human Resources Manager and although it is painful to have to explain to your boss that you are tryingt o get pregnant and in the long run will result in a three month leave of absence, it is in your best interest to tell your boss if you will be taking time off. Having a child is a major life function for a woman and there has been recent court cases that say this is a disability of sorts and we are "protected". But you have to let managment know. If you dont have a huge absence problem and want to hold off telling your boss until next month ( if there is a next month for you) just tell them you are having a little procedure done and will need the day off. Good luck!

[MomNC]

I don't think you will need to take a day off after IUI. Most women tolerate it fine. The cycle when I got my BFP....I went to work after the procedure. And now that I have my 2 little darlings and are ttc again, laying around afterward isn't an option.

Good luck.

Amy
cd2

[jillgalindo]

I never took the whole day off after my IUI's. I was at my RE's office laying with my but up for 30 minutes then they said I can go about my business.

[wantsababy2]

Anna, you should be able to go back to work after the IUI. But if you need to take the day off, I agree with the other posters - make it a personal day (unless you have an absence problem, like Kristi said). They don't need to know details right now.

If this will be a regular occurance, (hopefully you won't have to worry about it next month!) I think its best to let your boss know and make it clear that you are telling him/her as a courtesy and that you expect the info to remain confidential.

Good luck!

[TeppieG]

Anna - I just had an IUI on saturday. I took it easy the rest of the day. Maybe you don't have to, but it made me feel better. God is in control. If He thinks it is time you can do jumping jacks after the IUI and you will still get pregnant. Do what make you feel best. If that means taking it easy, then enjoy! Get a good book or rent a movie and prop your feet up!

I agree that you should be upfront with your manager. IF is stressful enough without wondering if your manager thinks you are taking advantage of sick or personal time. If your manager is a man like mine, he may say "Do what ever you need to!! I just don't want to hear any more about it!" He doesn't actually say the last part, but I can tell he thinks it!

Stephanie
TTC 1 year, irregular cycles, 100 mg Clomid, 1st IUI, 2WW
DH, varicocles, low motility
Parents to 3-year-old Weenie Dog, Majors

for

[TeppieG]

Bop - I can understand your fears. I have a very stressful job and I have a lot of peopel that depend on me. I was afraid though if I wasn't some what up front, then they would think I was looking for another job. And I am an aweful liar! Everyone is deifferenct, but I felt a HUGE load off my shoulders once I shared some of this with my manager. Managing your stress is very important for your sanity and also your body.

This is a very personal situation and you shouldn't tell her anything more than what you feel comfortable with. I just told my manager that I was undergoing fertility treatments. I would need to take time off here and there for check ups and treatments. I would give him as much notice as possible. Work extra hours to make sure I stay on top of things, etc etc. I was fortunate, he was very understanding

[SC-blu_sky]

You don't necessarily have to specify IF. You could simply tell your boss that you have a medical condition that requires some doc appts. Tell them you would rather not go into detail. Just let them know when and if you are ready to discuss it further you will. In the mean time let them know that your absences will not affect your performance.

Good Luck